The Facts...

• Nearly 400,000 people in the United States die each year from smoking attributable illness, resulting in 5.6 million years of potential life lost and $97.6 billion in lost productivity
• Unfortunately, common use of tobacco by most Oklahomans leads to unhealthy use and nicotine addiction.  In Oklahoma, more than $2 billion, or $600 per person, is spent each year for smoking-related medical care and lost productivity.
• Such a burden stunts business growth in Oklahoma and prevents us from reaching our fullest economic potential at home and across the nation.

The Challenges...

• Heart disease and lung cancer caused from smoking results in the premature death of thousands of Oklahomans dying prematurely each year.  
• Smoking is also a major contributor to Oklahoma’s high rates of stroke, bladder cancer and emphysema.
• Smoking causes more death and disability than any other preventable risk factor and kills more Oklahomans each year than alcohol, auto accidents, AIDS, suicides, murders and illegal drug use combined. 

The Solutions...

Call the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline

 Get support. Call the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline at (800) QUIT-NOW (784-8669).

• The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is designed to assist Oklahomans who have a desire to quit.
• Get your own Quit Coach to help you quit.
• Collect the information you need to be successful as you quit.
• The helpline's hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week.

Counter Marketing...

• Surround yourself with positive smoke-free/tobacco-free messages.
• Only visit restaurants and business that are smoke-free.
• Spend time with family and friends who do not use tobacco or smoke.
• Throw away all tobacco-related products (ashtrays, lighters, spit cups).

Be a Role Model...

• Talk to your children about the importance of NOT using tobacco.
• Children who see their parents use the tobacco are more likely to use it.

Breathe Easy...

• Request your employer join and promote all Breathe Easy efforts.
• Encourage your workplace to go 100 percent tobacco-free (on all company property).
• Promote the use of an on-site tobacco cessation program at your workplace.
• Request your employer provide a group health insurance plan that includes free NRT.

Make a Request...

• Ask local businesses to comply with smoke-free laws in Oklahoma.
• Ask guests and family members to not smoke or use tobacco when they visit your home.
• Ask your child's school to utilize evidence-based tobacco prevention programs.

Be Smart, Don't Start